Writing in today’s Times, Simon Barnes opines that the ICC’s decision to change the result of the 2006 Oval test from a forfeiture by Pakistan to a draw “destroys the meaning of sport“.
Of course, just like the ongoing Shoaib Akhtar saga (his 5 year ban commuted to an 18 month suspension and now suspended. There seems to be one law for him and one for everyone else) there are those who will cry “racist” at those who question this decision. Witness the comment by “Si” on Patrick Kidd’s Times blog.
This sets a dangerous precedent. Results being changed retroactively, in effect airbrushing history because of political pressure within the ICC, is a slippery slope. Of course, if we’re talking about changing results because of dodgy umpiring decisions, sub-continent umpires were often perceived to be a bit trigger happy when touring sides’ batsmen were at the crease.
Then there’s the precedent on the school field or local cricket ground. A captain takes offence at an umpire’s decision so he takes his team off. “If Inzamam can do it then why can’t I?” is the question that will be asked.
Is this the right decision to care for the game worldwide? I’m not at all sure it is.
As Simon writes, “The ICC has shattered the illusion on which sport is built.”
It has already shattered the illusion of competence and doing the right thing for the game.